Fraternity
WHAT IS A MASONIC LODGE?
In context of our Fraternity, the term “lodge” comes from structures which stonemasons built against the sides of cathedrals during construction. In winter, when building had stopped, they lived in these lodges and worked on stone carving.
A Masonic lodge, however, is more than a building; it is a living, breathing organization
In context of our Fraternity, the term “lodge” comes from structures which stonemasons built against the sides of cathedrals during construction. In winter, when building had stopped, they lived in these lodges and worked on stone carving.
A Masonic lodge, however, is more than a building; it is a living, breathing organization made up of and sustained by the members themselves. It is a tight-knit group of men who make solemn vows to one another and become comrades in Masonry and life.
Above all, a Masonic lodge represents open arms, a helping hand, and brotherly love to every Mason, anywhere, at any time.
made up of and sustained by the members themselves. It is a tight-knit group of men who make solemn vows to one another and become comrades in Masonry and life.
Above all, a Masonic lodge represents open arms, a helping hand, and brotherly love to every Mason, anywhere, at any time.
Enter to Win a 1966 Corvette Stingray Convertible
Each year, the Kansas Masonic Foundation sponsors a raffle for a classic car, with 75 percent of proceeds supporting local communities. Over the past 10 years, the program has returned almost $3 million to Kansas Masonic lodges. The 2026-2027 classic car is a 1966 Corvette Stingray Convertible, which will be showcased at various Masonic lodges across the state. Participants may purchase $20 raffle tickets online or through their local lodge. The winner will be announced at the Grand Lodge of Kansas Annual Communication.
The Kansas Masonic Foundation 2026-2027 classic car is a 1966 Corvette Stingray Convertible. Participants may purchase $20 raffle tickets online or through the Marvin A. Armstrong #187 Lodge. The winner will be announced at the Grand Lodge of Kansas Annual Communication - and our website
Who We Are
BROTHERLY LOVE
RELIEF
TRUTH
Brotherly Love: We are men of compassion united in our regard for the whole human species as one family.
Relief: We are men of action making a difference in our community through service and philanthropy.
Truth: We are men of purpose forming friendships in the pursuit of Truth and self-discovery.
Our Masonic Lodge Namesake
Marvin A. Armstrong
Open The Door To Becoming A Better Man
Our History
Pittsburg Lodge No. 187 (A.F. & A.M.)
(Marvin A. Armstrong Lodge #187)
Back in the days of when Pittsburg was a newly-formed township, a group of Free Masons in the area held a meeting in the Joplin Railroad Depot about organizing a Lodge of Ancient Free & Accepted Masons (A.F & A.M).
The men chose Charles W. Long as chairman and A. J. Georgia as their secretary. The date was 27 Jan 1879. They authorized A. J. Georgia to approach the Girard (KS) Lodge No. 93 A.F. & A.M. to solicit the Grand Master of Kansas.
The group met again on 3 Feb., 1879 after meeting with the Girard Lodge and selected Charles Long as Worshipful Master, J. W. Jennings as Senior Warden and A. Baxter as Junior Warden. Their duties included drafting a petition for the Grand Master of Kansas for consideration of a new lodge.
On 26 June, 1879, their dispensation for a new lodge was accepted. The first regular meeting of the new Pittsburg Lodge was held 1 July, 1879 with 13 members and new officers were elected. The group was granted an official charter on 16 Oct., 1879 and was named Pittsburg Lodge No. 187 Ancient Free & Accepted Masons.
After a few years, the members wished to have higher degrees or Masonic bodies. A charter was issued on 21 March, 1881 for the Pittsburg Royal Arch Masons. The Knights of Templar was organized on 9 June, 1888.
The three Masonic groups met in various buildings including the Globe building at 4th and Broadway. They purchased a lot on the northeast corner of Sixth and Pine with the cornerstone for the new lodge being laid on 21 June, 1910.
The 2-story building was designed by O. A. Cook and built by Asa Messenger. It was dedicated on 23 May, 1911, and included meeting rooms on the second floor and the first floor a dining room. Due to major structural renovation needs, the building at the corner of Sixth & Pine was demolished in January, 1999, and a new building constructed at 3105 N Joplin St, Pittsburg, KS. The grand ornate arches were left standing as a reminder of the buildings’ footprint and marks entrance to a city parking lot.
The Original 13 Members
C. W. Long
J. W. Jennings
A. Baxter
J. W. Spicer
A. J. Georgia
M. W. Snow
Wm. H. Welch
D. S. Miller
Alfred Wilson
Stephen Barr
S. W. Johnson
D. F. D. Pomeroy
A. V. Ralston
Marvin A. Armstrong Masonic Lodge #187
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